Multiple electrosprays generated from a single polycarbonate microstructured fibre

Electrospray ionization (ESI) has been invaluable to the mass spectrometric detection of biomolecules, due largely to the sensitivity afforded by the ionization technique. Lower flow rates, e.g. in the nanoelectrospray regime, result in smaller initial electrosprayed droplets, leading to higher ionization efficiency and greater signal. One approach to improving sensitivity without lowering flow rate is to generate multiple electrosprays (MESs) from the same sample, essentially splitting one larger flow into smaller flows in the nanoESI regime. Presented here is a series of novel MES emitters in the form of polycarbonate fibres. Based on microstructured fibre (MSF) technology whereby a set of homogeneous parallel channels are formed in a heat-drawn fibre intended to conduct light, a custom design was fabricated in which 3, 6, 9 and 12 holes were arranged in a radial pattern to prevent inhomogeneities in the electric field. The MSFs have dimensions that are compatible with current standards in nanoESI equipment, and the tip is more compatible with standard MS orifices than other larger multielectrospray emitters. By measuring the spray current provided by the various emitters under the same solvent/voltage/total flow rate conditions, a plot was obtained clearly demonstrating the expected dependence on the square root of the number of holes, i.e. the number of independent electrosprays. With this firm proof of principle using this design/format, further effort is justified in developing similar emitters in alternative materials that better prevent surface wetting and allow greater hole density, ultimately leading to greater signal enhancement.     

Auger and photoluminescence analysis of ZnO nanowires grown on AlN thin film

ZnO nanowires were grown on AlN thin film deposited on the glass substrates using a physical vapor deposition method in a conventional tube furnace without introducing any catalysts. The temperature of the substrates was maintained between 500 and 600 °C during the growth process. The typical average diameters of the obtained nanowires on substrate at 600 and 500 °C were about 57 and 22 nm respectively with several micrometers in length. X-ray diffraction and Auger spectroscopy results showed Al diffused from AlN thin film into the ZnO nanowires for the sample grown at 600 °C. Photoluminescence of the nanowires exhibits appearance of two emission bands, one related to ultraviolet emission with a strong peak at 380-382 nm, and the other related to deep level emission with a weak peak at 503-505 nm. The ultraviolet peak of the nanowires grown at 500 °C was blue shifted by 2 nm compared to those grown at 600 °C. This shift could be attributed to surface effect.     

The application of poly(N, N′-dibromo-N-ethyl-benzene-1,3-disulfonamide) and N, N, N′, N′-tetrabromobenzene-1,3-disulfonamide as catalysts for one-pot synthesis of 2-aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-1,3-benzimidazoles and 1,5-benzodiazepines, and new reagents for synthesis of benzimidazoles

A new, facile, and efficient procedure for conjugate addition of indole and pyrrole with Michael acceptors have been developed for pulverization–activation reaction catalyzed by wet cyanuric chloride (2,4,6-trichloro-[1,3,5]-triazine or TCT) through grinding under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. Also, double-conjugate 1,4-addition of indoles to dibenzylidenacetones and conjugate addition of thiols with Michael acceptors using wet-TCT as catalyst is reported.     

Ultrasound-assisted one-pot, three-component synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine-5,10-diones

Triethylamine was found to be an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine-5,10-diones by one-pot reaction of phthalhydrazide, aromatic aldehydes, and malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate in ethanol under ultrasonic irradiation. The advantages of this method are the use of an inexpensive and readily available catalyst, easy workup, improved yields, and the use of ethanol as a solvent that is considered to be relatively environmentally benign.     

Improving piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties of electrospun PVDF nanofibers using nanofillers for energy harvesting application

In this study, it was aimed to increase the piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties of electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers simultaneously by using specific nanofillers. Graphene oxide (GO), graphene, and halloysite nanotubes with different concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.4, and 1.6% wt/wt) were combined with PVDF solution and were fabricated in the form of nanofibers through electrospinning. Pyroelectric properties of samples were measured by submerging sealed samples in hot water (360°K) and ice (270°K). The piezoelectric properties of the samples were evaluated through bending tests. The microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the electrospun PVDF nanocomposite were investigated using scanning electron microscope, Instron instrument, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. To further support the experimental observations for generating electric voltage in the bended nanogenerator, the PVDF nanogenerator (PNG) was also modeled by a finite element analysis based on the theory of linear piezoelectricity using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software. Experimental results showed that adding nanofillers could improve the piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties of all samples, associated with the increment of β‐phase in the nanofibers. It was concluded that adding nanofillers could increase pyroelectricity about 50% more than piezoelectricity in pristine PVDF nanofiber web. The PNG containing 1.6 wt% GO showed the highest efficiency in terms of piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity. In addition, the results showed that the ratio of piezoelectric to pyroelectric coefficients was constant (~1.5) and it was independent of the nanofiller type and content. The effect of external force and vibration frequency on the output voltage was also investigated. Increasing the compressive force and vibration frequency caused a greater output voltage. Finally, the fabricated nanogenerator was integrated on insole and elbow to investigate its energy harvesting capabilities from body movement.     

Mechanical response of a small swimmer driven by conformational transitions

A conformation space kinetic model is constructed to drive the deformation cycle of a three-sphere swimmer to achieve propulsion at low Reynolds number. We analyze the effect of an external load on the performance of this kinetic swimmer and show that it depends sensitively on where the force is exerted, so that there is no general force-velocity relation. We discuss how the conformational cycle of such swimmers should be designed to increase their performance in resisting forces applied at specific points.     

Ag nanoparticles stabilized on basalt fibers as a novel,stable, and reusable catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions

Using Ag nanoparticles on basalt fibers as a thermal and chemical resistant surface is a novel method for Suzuki coupling reactions. The characterization of this catalyst was done with various analytical tools. It was used as a heterogeneous catalyst and separated from the reaction medium easily. Also, it is economically advantageous, and we use it several times without reducing its catalytic activity.     

The use of 3,3-bis(2-imidazolyl) propionic acid (bip-OH) as a new chelating ligand for Re(CO)3 and Ru complexes: Formation of organometallic PNA oligomers with (bip)Re(CO)3 and their interaction with complementary DNA

We report the use of 3,3-bis(2-imidazolyl) propionic acid (bip-OH, 1) as a new chelating bis(imidazole) ligand. The synthesis and full characterization of complexes Re(bip-O)(CO)₃2 and [Ru(bpy)₂(bip-OH)]²⁺3 is reported. Both complexes show interesting spectroscopic properties, namely IR for compound 2 and ¹H NMR for 3, respectively. The free carboxylic acid functionality of 1 may be used for the coupling to biomolecules. We have prepared two peptide nucleic acid (PNA) decamers to which the rhenium complex 2 is coupled. All reactions were carried out by solid phase synthesis methods. The Re-PNA oligomer conjugates Re(CO)₃(bip- tgt cta gca a -NH₂) 4 and Re(CO)₃(bip- agg agc aac t-Lys-NH₂) 5 were obtained in good yield and high purity after HPLC purification and identified by their mass spectra. The interaction of 5 with complementary DNA yields a melting temperature of (53.9 ± 1) °C. This is the first DNA melting temperature reported for an organometallic metal-PNA conjugate.     

Mild Oxidation of 1,3,5‐Trisubstituted Pyrazolines with N‐Bromo‐sulphonamides

1,3,5‐Trisubstituted pyrazolines to pyrazoles are carried out efficiently in the presence of new reagents N,N,N′, N′‐tetrabromo‐benzene‐1,3‐disulfonylamine [TBBDA] and N,N′‐dibromo‐N,N′‐1,2‐ethanediylbis‐(p‐toluenesulphonamide) [BNBTS] in solvent‐free conditions with catalytic amounts of SiO₂ under microwave irradiation in high yields.